FIA to reconsider protocols after close encounter with Ocon in Azerbaijan GP

The FIA have required their representatives to take ‘immediate steps to reconsider’ procedures and protocols as Alpine’s Esteban Ocon encountered personnel in the pit lane during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

On lap 51 of 51, Ocon was yet to pit after the Frenchman ran with the hard compound tyres for the majority of the race. As per the regulations, the Alpine driver was set to pit for a mandatory stop to use two tyre compounds.

In a hail-mary attempt, holding out for a late safety car to change their fortunes in the race, Alpine waited until the very last minute to pull their driver into the pit lane to complete his stop.

As the race was on the final lap, Ocon peeled into the pit lane, unaware that the FIA personnel were setting up the parc ferme area and podium celebrations. When the Alpine finally arrived, he was met with media personnel gathering by the barriers ahead of the celebrations – some of who were in the fast lane.

Fortunately, the personnel in the way were able to jump to safety and allowed the A532 to pass on through to his pit box without issue.

Following the incident, the FIA summoned their representatives to race control.

In the document, the stewards stated:

“The Stewards heard from the FIA representatives and determined that the relevant representatives took steps to set up the parc ferme area and also permitted media and other personnel to gather in the start of the pit lane and the pit wall during the last lap of the race, while the pit lane was open and before the final pit stop of OCO (Car 31) [Esteban Ocon].

“We noted that it was not unusual for the representatives to allow such persons into the pit lane just before the end of the race, in the usual course of preparation for parc ferme and the Podium ceremony.”

Ahead of the Azerbaijan race, Ocon started the race from the pit lane alongside Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg, both equipped with hard compound tyres after their teams changed his suspension under parc ferme conditions.

“However, in this case, there was one driver that had to pit in the last lap and this created a very dangerous situation for those that were in the pit lane at the time,” the Steward continued. “We considered that it was fortunate that there were no serious consequences on account of what happened today. We stressed that the requirements of ensuring a safe and orderly event are paramount. This was acknowledged by the FIA team.”

The race stewards stated they ‘walked through the relevant procedures and protocols with the FIA representatives,’ and required the representatives to look into the current procedures and protocols to avoid a similar instance in the future.

The stewards concluded:

“The FIA representatives expressed their regret at what happened and assured us that they would do so in time for the next event.”

That’s all for our article: FIA to reconsider protocols after close encounter with Ocon in Azerbaijan GP!

What were your thoughts on the pit lane incident with personnel and Esteban Ocon, on the final lap? Let us know in the comments!

Read more Formula 1 here:

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• Azerbaijan GP: Verstappen on top in dramatic sole practice session
• Wolff urges ‘no magic bullet’ as Mercedes look to improve W14

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.